Russian Trade Mission Planned For June

CBC

Posted:
03/12/2012 1:06 pm EDT
Updated:
05/12/2012 5:12 am EDT

International Trade Minister Ed Fast is planning a mission to Vladimir Putin's Russia in June, his office confirmed Monday, as it reaches out to businesses to see who is interested in accompanying him. (AFP/Getty Images) | AFP/Getty Images

International Trade Minister Ed Fast is planning a mission to Russia in June, his office confirmed Monday, as it reaches out to businesses to see who is interested in accompanying him.

Fast's mission to Russia would complete visits to each of the high-growth BRIC countries: Brazil, which he hit last summer; India, which got a visit in November 2011; and China, where he led a trade mission in October 2011 and then accompanied Prime Minister Stephen Harper in early February.

The visit to St. Petersburg and Moscow is set for June 3-8 and will be focused on the aerospace sector, as well as building and construction, a spokesman for Fast said. Canadian architects and engineers are already working with their Russian counterparts on projects for the 2014 Sochi Olympic Games, a news release from the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade says.

Fast's department is now reaching out to businesses in those sectors to find representatives to join the trade mission.

Although Russia's reputation has been marred by allegations of widespread corruption in both business and politics, the country joined the World Trade Organization in December.

At the time, Fast issued a statement congratulating Russia.

"The Canada-Russia trade relationship is important to us, and Canada has been a strong supporter of Russia’s accession to the WTO," he said in the statement.

"As part of its accession, Russia has committed to the rules that apply to all WTO members and has agreed to undertake a series of important commitments to further open its markets and accelerate its integration into the world economy."

A flyer promoting the trip notes Russia has a "highly educated population of more than 142 million, with an advanced science and technology capacity," as well as substantial resources like natural gas and oil.

Canada exported about $1.5 billion in merchandise to Russia in 2011 and imported almost $1.3 billion.

Canadian trade policy experts worked with Russia's accession team, Fast noted in a speech at the WTO.

Russia is spending 2012 as the chair of the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation forum and will host the G20 in 2013.

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This picture taken on late March 7, 2012, shows Russia's outgoing President Dmitry Medvedev (R) and newly elected Vladimir Putin (C) meet with former Italian Prime minister Silvio Berlusconi at the Rosa Khutor apline ski resort in Krasnaya Polyana, some 50kms from Sochi on March 8, 2012. Italy's ex-prime minister Silvio Berlusconi flew into Russia for a lavish dinner with Vladimir Putin after his old ally's victory in presidential elections, state television said. (Getty)

This picture taken on late March 7, 2012, shows Russia's outgoing President Dmitry Medvedev (R) and Newly elected Vladimir Putin (C) meet with former Italian Prime minister Silvio Berlusconi at the Rosa Khutor apline ski resort in Krasnaya Polyana, some 50kms from Sochi on March 8, 2012. (Getty)

Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, right, smiles as he speaks with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, center, and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, left, during their meeting in the mountain resort of Krasnaya Polyana near the Black Sea resort of Sochi, southern Russia, late Wednesday, March 7, 2012. (AP)

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev stands with his skiing boots on during the meeting with former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, unssen, in the mountain resort of Krasnaya Polyana near the Black Sea resort of Sochi, southern Russia, late Wednesday, March 7, 2012. (AP)

Russia's outgoing President Dmitry Medvedev (R) and newly elected president Vladimir Putin (L) meet with former Italy's Prime minister Silvio Berlusconi at the Rosa Khutor apline ski resort in Krasnaya Polyana, some 50kms from Sochi on March 8, 2012. (Getty)

Russian President-elect Vladimir Putin (R), Russia's outgoing President Dmitry Medvedev (C) and former Italy's Prime minister Silvio Berlusconi smile as they visit the luging sport center at the alpine ski resort in Krasnaya Polyana, some 50kms from Sochi on March 9, 2012. (Getty)

Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, right, and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev smile during their meeting in the mountain resort of Krasnaya Polyana near the Black Sea resort of Sochi, southern Russia, Thursday, March 8, 2012. (AP)

Russian Prime minister and President-elect Vladimir Putin seen at a shooting point during the the para-Olympic biathlon championship of Russia in Krasnaya Polyana ski resort near the sea resort of Sochi, southern Russia, Friday, March, 9, 2012. (AP)